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What should you do when the tremors start? If you’re indoors, drop and get under a table, desk, or something else solid and hold on. If that isn’t available, huddle against the inside corner of a room and cover your head with your hands. You should stay clear of windows, shelves, and kitchen areas.

While the building is shaking, don’t try to run out; you could easily fall down stairs or get hit by falling debris. Elevators are a bad idea. Don’t be surprised if the electricity goes out. As well, sprinkler systems and fire alarms might activate.

I always thought you should stand in the doorway because of the frame’s sturdiness. It turns out that, in modern homes, many doorways aren’t more solid than any other part of the structure.

Once the initial tremors are over, get outside. Once there, stay as far away from power lines, chimneys, and anything else that could fall over on top of you.

Let’s say you’re in the car when the earthquake hits. Get out of traffic as quickly as possible, other drivers are likely to be less level-headed than you are. Whatever you do, don’t stop under bridges, trees, overpasses, power lines, or light posts. Don’t leave your vehicle while the tremors are active.

After It’s Over

One issue to be concerned about is gas leaks; make sure you don’t use your camp stoves, lighters, or even matches until you’re certain all is clear. Even a match could ignite a spark that could lead to an explosion. If you turned the gas off, you might consider letting the utility company turn it back on.

Don’t count on telephone service after a natural disaster. Telephone companies only have enough lines to deal with 20% of total call volume at any one time. It’s likely all lines will be occupied. Interestingly, this doesn’t seem to include texts; you’ll have a better to chance to communicate with texts due to the wavelength used.

TRAPPED!

Let’s discuss what to do if the absolute worse happens: You find yourself trapped under debris.

In this circumstance, you’ll probably be inhaling a great deal of dust, so cover your face with an article of clothing or anything else that will serve as a barrier. Don’t light matches, as gas leaks could cause an explosion. Use anything you can to tap on something solid to let people know you’re there. If you live in an earthquake zone, it’s a wise move to attach a whistle to your keychain. These are better options than shouting, which can exhaust you pretty quickly.

After an earthquake or any natural disaster, those who are prepared will end up miles ahead of everyone else in terms of keeping their loved one out of harm’s way. Put a plan together, get your family on the same page, and your supplies stored up. If you do this, you’ll keep it together, even if everything else falls apart.

Joe Alton, M.D.

Joe Alton, M.D., aka Dr. Bones

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